Renault Megane E-Tech electric SUV, new Kangoo van, Arkana facelift here in 2024

The all-electric Renault Megane E-Tech small SUV and the next-generation Kangoo van – including the electric variant – are delayed for Australia.

Previously confirmed for launch this year, a Renault Australia spokesperson said both vehicles will now arrive in local showrooms in the first quarter of next year (January to March inclusive), pending further delays.

The new vehicles will be joined by a facelift for the Renault Arkana coupe small SUV, recently unveiled in Europe, at some point in 2024, while the Master E-Tech Electric full-size van was previously confirmed to launch in Australia next year.

2024 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric small SUV

Renault Australia said it is targeting a circa-$70,000 price for the Megane E-Tech Electric, which competes against the $55,990 plus on-roads Peugeot E-2008 – but with a dedicated electric vehicle architecture shared with the forthcoming Nissan Ariya.

As announced in February, the Megane E-Tech will be offered locally in a single, high-specification variant, with a 450-kilometre WLTP driving range from a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The brand’s local arm declined to comment on initial supply, stating it would evaluate demand to avoid over-stocking the vehicle – but it has no aspirations to knock Tesla off the top spot in the electric vehicle sales race.

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Features homologated for Australia include 20-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker Arkamys audio system, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and full-LED lights.

2024 Renault Kangoo van

The third-generation Renault Kangoo small van will approach three years on sale when it arrives in Australia by March, pending further delays.

First revealed in late 2020 and available in Europe from early 2021, the latest Kangoo van is available with internal combustion or all-electric powertrains and rides on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-CD passenger vehicle architecture.

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It is related to the Mercedes-Benz Citan, which has been homologated for Australia but remains uncertain, while a rebadged Nissan Townstar version is available in Europe.

Government homologation data reveals the latest Kangoo will be available in medium- and long-wheelbase form in Australia, with turbo-petrol or all-electric variants for both sizes.

The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine – also found in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLA, Renault Captur, and Nissan Qashqai – produces 96kW and 240Nm and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 1.5-litre turbo-diesel is available in select markets.

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The Kangoo E-Tech features a front-mounted 130kW/245Nm electric motor, a 44kWh lithium-ion battery, a claimed WTLP-rated 285-kilometre driving range, and regenerative braking.

2024 Renault Arkana facelift

The facelifted 2024 Renault Arkana will arrive in Australia next year, with a hybrid option likely.

Revisions include Renault’s new logo, an updated grille, black accents replacing chrome, a minor update to its LED tail-light signature, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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A new Esprit Alpine flagship replaces the RS Line with a unique front bumper, grey accents, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and suede upholstery with blue stitching and an embossed Alpine headrest logo.

Under the bonnet, the Arkana hybrid combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 1.2kWh battery pack, and a multi-mode clutch-less automatic transmission for a 107kW total system output.

The 115kW/262Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol currently available is expected to remain unchanged for the facelift, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission exclusively sending power to the front wheels.

Renault Australia’s future line-up

The Megane E-Tech Electric will be followed by the smaller Renault 5 hatch and a small SUV, likely dubbed the Renault 4, with local launches expected later in 2024 or in 2025.

Renault’s new flagship Rafale mid-size SUV has yet to be confirmed for Australia, but a spokesperson told Wheels it would be considered for our market.

Plans have yet to be announced for a successor to Renault Australia’s top-selling Koleos mid-size SUV, with the current model expected to cease production in South Korea mid-decade.

It could be replaced by the Austral mid-size SUV sold in Europe or a yet-to-be-announced direct successor based on the current Nissan X-Trail.